Lyla Lindsey
Austrians tend to dress in a formal, stylish, and conservative way. The traditional Austrian clothing is called 'Tracht', with women wearing 'Dirndls'—a close-fitting bodice with an apron in different colours—and men wearing 'Lederhosen', or knee-length trousers made from leather. In general, Austrians opt for solid colours such as black, maroon, navy blue, and white, and dark colours are generally more popular. When packing for a trip to Austria, it's important to bring warm, insulating layers for the winter and classic, conservative pieces in neutral shades for the summer. Comfortable and practical shoes are always in fashion, especially when exploring the country's charming cobblestone streets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing style | Formal, stylish, conservative, sophisticated |
| Colours | Dark, solid colours such as black, maroon, navy blue, white, and beige |
| Footwear | Comfortable, stylish, flat shoes with thick soles and heels. Leather shoes or boots. |
| No | Sneakers, sandals, flip-flops |
| Summer | Sundresses, blouses, skirts, light cardigans, pullover sweaters, light jackets, gloves, hats |
| Winter | Warm, insulating layers, dark-coloured jackets, sweaters, waterproof coats, warm hats, gloves, scarves |
| Accessories | Pashmina or shawl, umbrella |
| Traditional clothing | Dirndls (for women), Lederhosen (for men) |
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What You'll Learn
Traditional Austrian clothing
The traditional Austrian clothing for men is made from leather, linen and wool. Lederhosen, or knee-length trousers/shorts made from leather, are worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. The Steireranzug is a greyish garment with green embroidery that has become a semi-official 'tracht' (traditional Austrian clothing) and can be worn to formal occasions. Traditional Austrian jackets are made from boiled wool or lod
For women, the dirndl is a traditional Austrian outfit. It consists of a close-fitting bodice combined with an apron in a different colour. Sometimes it is sleeveless and worn with a cotton and lace blouse, and sometimes it features sleeves and a high neck. Hats are often costly and elaborate, and vary according to occasion and region.
In general, Austrians dress in a sophisticated, fairly conservative way, and revealing clothing is generally frowned upon. When in doubt, dress up rather than down. In summer, men can try a light, button-down shirt with a pair of well-fitting trousers. Women can wear summer dresses, but shorter shorts and cut-offs are best avoided. Austrians often wear hats, and a light cardigan or pullover sweater is useful in case of wind or cold weather. In autumn, scarves, light jackets, light gloves, and hats are popular. In winter, dark colours and well-tailored pieces are common.
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Dressing for the seasons
Spring
Spring in Austria is the time when the country starts to come alive, and people begin to shed their dark winter clothing in favour of pastels and brighter colours. It is still important not to show too much skin, as Austrians dress in a sophisticated and conservative way. Comfortable and practical shoes are always in fashion, and it is best to avoid the sneakers and sandals look.
Summer
Summer in Austria is warm and beautiful, with temperatures in the high 70s to 80s °F (high 20s to low 30s °C). Austrians tend to dress in a polished yet slightly conservative way, so opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to keep cool without revealing too much skin. Linen blouses are a good option for exploring cities, and light cotton shorts, t-shirts, and loose dresses work well for a more casual look. If you are heading to the mountains, it is smart to pack a few warmer layers as the weather can change quickly. Austrians tend to favour solid colours like black, maroon, navy blue, white, and beige shades.
Autumn
Austrian autumns are gorgeous and the perfect time to show off your personality through layers and accessories. A scarf, light jacket, light gloves, and a hat are all good options. In general, Austrians dress in a sophisticated and conservative way, so it is best to avoid revealing clothing.
Winter
Austrian winters are incredibly cold, with temperatures in the 40s°F (4–9°C) and lows in the 20s°F (-7 to -13°C). It is important to focus on warm, insulating layers to stay cozy and stylish. Pack a few cozy sweaters made from materials like cashmere, merino wool, or alpaca to stay warm while still looking chic. Dark colours and well-tailored pieces are favoured, and accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves will be on show. Waterproof boots are also essential to keep your feet dry and warm.
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Styling for men
For casual wear, Austrian men usually opt for a smart-casual look. This can include well-fitted jeans or chinos, a collared shirt, and a blazer or sweater. Leather loafers or boat shoes are popular choices for footwear. In the summer, lightweight cotton or linen button-down shirts, linen or cotton shorts, and espadrilles or canvas sneakers are ideal for staying cool and comfortable. Layering with a lightweight linen jacket or a cotton-blend cardigan can provide extra warmth in the cooler evenings.
In mountainous regions like the Alps, men often wear more practical and functional clothing, including hiking gear and warm outerwear. On the other hand, in cities like Vienna, men tend to favour a more sophisticated and elegant style, with a focus on quality fabrics and classic cuts. A collared shirt, well-fitting earth-toned pants, and a pullover wool sweater will help you blend in seamlessly.
When attending cultural events, restaurants, or business meetings, it is important to dress elegantly and conservatively. Formal clothes are expected at the theatre, concerts, and operas. For business, dark-coloured suits, solid-coloured ties, and white shirts are the norm. Even when dressed informally, Austrians tend to maintain a neat and conservative appearance, avoiding ostentatious or sloppy attire.
Finally, during the cold Austrian winters, functionality and warmth take priority. Accessories such as hats, gloves, and scarves are essential, along with thermal insoles and waterproof socks. Leather or synthetic gloves and a high-quality insulated beanie will help keep you warm and protected from the elements.
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Styling for women
When it comes to styling for women in Austria, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated and fairly conservative manner, so it is best to avoid overly revealing clothing. Instead, opt for classic pieces in neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched. Adding a pop of colour with accessories or a standout item is a great way to liven up your wardrobe while still maintaining the conservative Austrian style.
In terms of specific clothing items, comfortable and practical shoes are always in fashion in Austria. While sneakers are common and can be worn during the day for sightseeing, it is best to opt for a nicer pair of shoes for the evening or when attending a cultural event. A nice pair of boots, such as Chelsea boots, can also be a good option, especially in the spring when it is still cold and rainy. As for clothing, a trench coat is a timeless piece that is both practical and sophisticated, and can be worn with jeans or a dress. A sweater dress or a midi dress in a thicker fabric, such as merino wool, is also a good option to stay warm and stylish.
If you want to embrace the traditional Austrian style, the Dirndl dress is a great choice. The Dirndl dress is a traditional folk dress that is still worn by women in villages and for special occasions. Formal Dirndls have ankle-length skirts, while those for everyday occasions are knee-length, and the mini-dirndl is perfect for parties and beer festivals.
When it comes to the seasons, Austrian summers can be hot, so it is important to have lightweight and breathable clothing. However, summer is also the time when Austrians dress down a bit, especially with tourist crowds. As autumn arrives, you can start to layer and add accessories to show off your personal style. Austrian winters can be cold, so make sure to pack a substantial jacket, like a puffer jacket, and accessories like a beanie, gloves, and a scarf.
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Footwear
When it comes to footwear, comfort and style are key when trying to dress like an Austrian. Austrians tend to walk a lot, so it is important to have comfortable and supportive shoes. Sneakers are a popular choice in Austria, with Adidas Sambas and Gazelles being commonly worn. However, some sources suggest avoiding sneakers as they may be looked down upon by Austrians. Instead, opt for more subtle and classic styles in neutral colours. Bright or neon-coloured sneakers are commonly associated with tourists.
For warmer months, stylish sneakers or comfortable flat shoes are a good option. Sandals are also an option for hot days, but it is best to avoid flip-flops as they are not generally seen as appropriate footwear in Europe. If you're looking for something more traditional, Haferl shoes are a good choice. These sturdy, traditional shoes are typically made of leather and feature a non-slip sole, making them perfect for the beer tents at Oktoberfest.
During the colder months, leather boots are a good option to keep your feet warm and dry. When packing for a winter trip to Austria, make sure to bring warm, insulating layers, including a pair of warm boots to keep your feet cosy.
In terms of style, Austrians tend to dress in a sophisticated and conservative manner. This extends to their footwear choices as well. Avoid open-toed shoes and revealing clothing, as Austrians generally frown upon it. Instead, opt for classic, conservative pieces in neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians tend to dress in a formal, stylish, and conservative way. Dark and solid colours are generally more popular, and natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are often worn to keep cool.
To avoid standing out, it is best to avoid wearing anything too revealing, as well as clothing with large brand logos. It is also recommended to avoid wearing shorter shorts, cut-offs, and flip-flops, which are considered a fashion faux pas.
Comfortable and stylish flat shoes with thick soles and heels are ideal for walking on the cobblestone streets of Austrian cities. Leather shoes or boots are a good choice, while sneakers and sandals are generally considered inappropriate footwear.
The traditional Austrian clothing is called 'Tracht'. In the Austrian countryside, it is worn often, but in cities, it is mainly worn for formal occasions like weddings. Women wear 'Dirndls', which are close-fitting bodice dresses with aprons, while men wear 'Lederhosen', knee-length trousers or short pants made from leather, paired with rustic shoes and wool socks.
